Meghan Markle Revisits Her Past Donald Trump Comments With Fresh Perspective

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, famed by tabloids for courting controversies, has long been no stranger to the limelight. For over a decade, she has comfortably fused celebrity, activism, and political opinions seamlessly into her rise to fame, before and after marrying Prince Harry. Whether promoting women’s empowerment, demanding social justice, or examining her own public life, she has continued to be a voice of principle. However, sometimes looking back at her past comments on political figures such as Donald Trump promptly yields altered perspectives, given the newer, more regal and reticent turn her life has taken.

Meghan Markle’s past words do not necessarily come back to haunt her, rather get painted in a new outlook at life and reality.

Meghan Markle looks back at her Donald Trump comments from 2016

In her recent Bloomberg Originals interview with Emily Chang, Meghan Markle shed new light on her political history with honesty, eschewing avoiding uncomfortable conversations. Going back to 2016, Markle had spoken out on The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, unapologetically labeling then-presidential candidate Donald Trump “divisive and misogynistic,” criticizing Trump for being hateful towards female voters. Labeled as one of her first publicly political moments, Markle recalled it as the last time she spoke out against a political figure, which was years before she joined the British Royal family. “That’s not where I am at right now,” stressed Markle. 

As Chang dug up the 2016 footage of Markle going ham on Trump with her strong choice of words during the interview, she asked the Duchess if she has to hold back on expressing her political views as vocally as before, given the international spotlight on her now. But Markle responded, “No, I just make a choice of what matters to me and what’s important to me.” It is in such moments of introspection that the previous statement rings in like a moment of socio-political reckoning. Markle went on to revisit her actress era fondly by appreciating her welcome on the talk show, reaffirming her commitment to being herself, above political soundbites; however, never wavering from her original activist sentiments.^[1]

Even though Meghan Markle has not been politically vociferous in the past few years, her evolution is evident in her public statements and endeavors.^[2]

Inside Meghan Markle’s evolution from activism to Royal lifestyle

A figure to be remembered in the history of the British monarchy, Meghan Markle, single-handedly revealed more truths behind the tiaras than several documentaries. Grabbing her controversies by the collar, Markle has continued to stand steadfast with her trailblazing feminism and activism for several social causes, from racial justice to mental health advocacy. Her early body of work has been imbued with core-level activism.^[3]

Prior to settling into her royal life, she stood up against several stigmas, such as menstruation, traveled around the world with UN agencies, campaigned for menstrual health, and worked in humanitarian causes such as refugee relief and conservation. At present, her regal lifestyle in Montecito is well-captured by Netflix’s With Love, Meghan series, as well as her brand As Ever, proving to be commercially successful despite mounting criticisms. Markle’s sit-down on Bloomberg Originals is not just a reprise of her history but an invitation to explore her evolution as a public figure, treading on the delicate line between authenticity, activism, conviction, and candor.

What are your thoughts on Meghan Markle’s reaction to her past Donald Trump comments? Tell us in the comments below.